1 Risen from the dust.

"By destruction, we were brought together. By death, we found unity. And by bloodshed, we found similarities in our diversities. We are one. From the ashes, we rise." Chanted the sirkari priestess as she read from a large scroll.

They were a large number of people gathered together in a large place, which appeared to be an arena. They were all there to witness this great ceremony, which looked like a memorial. The people were different in aspects of race, color, tribe, and physical appearance, but they were characterized by an inexplicable mode of oneness.

They believed that they are the descendants of those who roamed the earth at the very beginning and escaped the great explosion that sent numerous creatures extinct.

As priestess Arorah descended the elevated platform, her daughter Zelta approached her and held her by her hand.

"Priestess, why are we not allowed to go above the valley, to see the outside world?" asked Zelta to her mother, who further explained and said ;

" We cannot go there Zelta. The outside world is filled with wickedness and darkness. It's infectious with numerous plagues, so as far as we remain here, we remain safe ." But Zelta still found it non-convincing.

 Years passed by as young Zelta was now grown into a teenager. Zelta and some other teenagers went to the central arena for practice. They were the infant warriors of the survivors, who would soon become warriors, leaders, and members of the supreme.

Their teacher; Master O'Neil, a sturdy-built man, with straight brown hair, and a smartly shaped mustache, giving him a brusque appearance. O'Neil was the greatest warrior and a member of the supreme. He was the brother of the priestess, which means he was Zelta's uncle.

When they all assembled at the arena, Master O'Neil addressed them.

"Most of what we'll do today is practically combat, so I would like everyone to choose their opponent," he sounded with seriousness in his tone.

Zelta chooses Tobin as her opponent. Tobin was a tall boy just the same age as Zelta. He had a perfect set of black eyes, and straight black hair that stopped just a few inches below his shoulders. Tobin was Zelta's best male friend, and a member of her unit. 

Tobin was known to be a great student with good combat skills, unlike other male fighters of his age, but he was no match for Zelta. She was the best wrestler.

"Fight like your life depends on it because one day it will. And most

importantly, be the Victor," said Master O'Neil as they began to wrestle against each other.

Tobin tried to punch Zelta but he didn't get a clearer shot because of her swift movements. After the continuous evading and blocking of all his offense, she gave him two heavy punches that nearly knocked him off his feet. Without wasting any more time, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a speed takedown.

There was a rumble of applause from everywhere.

"Well-done Zelta, I can see your improvements," commended Master O'Neil.

Zelta reached out her arm to Tobin and helped him up.

"You've had your fun with me again Zelta, I guess I'll just live to fight another day. Don't call this anything, I was just taking my time, studying your moves for the next tournament," said Tobin to Zelta, grinning widely with a funny smile. 

"Still waiting till the day you'd win me, Tobin," replied Zelta with a giggle.

"But until then..." said Tobin, as he drew her close to him, and kissed her lips.

The rest of the students were all rumbling in laughter.

"Alright we've seen enough, you two love birds can now come down from the platform," said O'Neil.

"Next!!" he called out, and the next pair of fighters ascended the platform.

After the day's training, they all returned home, but Zelta stayed back to meet her uncle.

"Uncle O'Neil, I have a question to ask you," said Zelta.

"What is it ?" asked O'Neil.

"It's that you said we have to fight as if our lives depend on it because one it will, but we're also told that the valley is safe. I'm a bit confused, so can you explain things better?" asked Zelta.

"You are a very wise child Zelta, and no doubt the wisest of your age. We have to be strong because weakness can make us conquered by the surfacers," said O'Neil.

"But who are the surfacers, are they humans? " asked Zelta.

"In the outside world exist mystical beings, ones that you can never ever imagine."

"You are trained here to become great warriors who will protect the only survivable realm on earth, and the only survivors of mankind," explained O'Neil to Zelta.

"I've understood you, uncle, I should get going now," replied Zelta then she started back home.